Assistant Professor of Spanish and Hispanic Studies

Union College; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 82,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

403(b) Retirement Plan

Tuition Exchange

Job summary

Union College invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Spanish and Hispanic Studies, beginning September 1, 2027. The department seeks a specialist in Hispanic Linguistics or Cultural Studies with interdisciplinary research and native/near-native Spanish fluency.

Teaching at all levels is required and candidates with heritage learner experience are preferred. Responsibilities include teaching six courses annually, advising student theses, and developing interdisciplinary

Qualifications

• PhD required in Spanish, Linguistics, Hispanic Studies or related field by Sept 1, 2027.
• Native or near-native Spanish; high English proficiency.
• Demonstrated high-quality Spanish teaching across levels.
• Experience developing interdisciplinary courses and programs.

Responsibilities

• Teach six courses per year across Spanish and Hispanic Studies.
• Develop interdisciplinary courses and coordinate curricular development.
• Advise student theses and research projects in Spanish and English.
• Engage in recruitment, program development, and interdisciplinary initiatives.

Skills

Fluent Spanish

Teaching experience

Interdisciplinary research

Heritage learner experience

Course development

Experience with study abroad programs

Education

PhD in Spanish, Linguistics, Hispanic Studies or related field

ABD with defense by August 2027

Job description

Union College invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Spanish and Hispanic Studies, beginning September 1, 2027. Applications must be received on or by December 15, 2026 for consideration.Position description:The Spanish and Hispanic Studies Department is seeking a specialist in Hispanic Linguistics or Cultural Studies, preferably with expertise in U.S. Latino, Caribbean, Central American, or Mexican cultures. The successful candidate’s research should be highly interdisciplinary. For linguistics candidates, we seek (but are not limited to) such specializations as Second Language Acquisition, Bilingualism, Sociolinguistics, Computational Linguistics, Psycholinguistics, Neurolinguistics, Cognitive Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Phonology, Syntax, Morphology, Semantics, or Pragmatics.Candidates must hold a PhD in Spanish, Linguistics, Hispanic Studies, or a related field. Candidates with PhD in hand will be prioritized. Candidates who will defend their dissertation by August 2027 will be considered. Native or near-native fluency in Spanish required. High English language proficiency is also required.Strong Spanish language teaching skills and experience at all levels required, as is the ability to contribute courses that complement our current offerings. Experience leading term abroad programs is a plus. Candidates with experience teaching Heritage learners preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise to develop courses in Spanish and English on U.S. Latino, Caribbean, Central American, or Mexican cultures.Union College offers many opportunities for both faculty and students to engage with multiple disciplines - and each other - in collaborative classroom settings, innovative majors and minors, and unique initiatives. We seek candidates who can offer interdisciplinary courses, involve students in research, and advise student theses and projects in Spanish and English, especially those that intersect with interdisciplinary programs, such as Neuroscience, Data Analytics, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Africana Studies. Interest in spearheading new interdisciplinary opportunities on campus (such as an interdisciplinary Linguistics minor) a plus.Teaching load is six courses per year along with the expectation of research, student advising, College service, and departmental service including curricular development, student engagement, placement advising, and recruitment activities. A successful applicant will demonstrate interest in working closely with undergraduate students and in departmental curricular development that is forward-thinking, creative, and interdisciplinary.About the Spanish and Hispanic Studies Department:The Spanish and Hispanic Studies program became an independent department last year. Spanish is among the top five most popular minors at Union College. We are a dynamic and energized group that welcomes bold curricular experimentation. We hope our new Assistant Professor will complement our efforts through the development of interdisciplinary courses and research opportunities for students in Hispanic Linguistics and/or the above described fields.Application instructions:Please submit all application materials as pdf files. Only the materials listed below will be considered.Curriculum vitaeLetter of interestResearch statement (for non-specialist readers)Teaching statement that includes a discussion of the candidate’s potential to involve undergraduate students in research and/or experiences outside the classroomGraduate transcripts (unofficial accepted)Please send questions and other inquiries to Stephanie Mueller, Associate Professor and Chair of Spanish and Hispanic Studies at [e-mail] invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the following:Contact information for three professional references who will be asked to provide letters of recommendation speaking to the applicant’s abilities in teaching Spanish courses at various levels and/or expertise in Hispanic Linguistics and/or U.S. Latino, Caribbean, Central American, or Mexican culturesTwo sample syllabi: One for a course taught in Spanish at any level from 250-299 (advanced intermediate) to 400 (fourth year), and one for a course taught in English to a broader student populationA writing sampleCompensationThe annual salary range for this position is $81,500-$83,500. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.Location: Schenectady, NYWe offer exceptional benefits including:Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness ProgramsPre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement PlanSalary Continuation Program in the event of DisabilityTuition ExchangeBackground Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.